Political Quotes

“I rise to offer an amendment regarding the Lost Creek Land Exchange Act of 1996. This amendment is important for the acquisition of the Lost Creek area of Montana for the public. I want to emphasize that this amendment is a starting point. I fully anticipate major changes will need to be made when this bill goes to conference with the House. Yet, the process needs to move forward. Under this amendment, 14,500 acres of blueribbon bighorn sheep habitat known as Lost Creek would became a part of the Deerlodge National Forest. For the past few years, local sportsmen and conservation groups, the Forest Service, and many others have been interested in the public acquiring this prime habitat. I, too, believe this is a worthwhile endeavor. The amendment would transfer the Lost Creek area, and 3,000 additional acres currently owned by R-Y Timber, to the Forest Service. In return R-Y Timber will acquire the deed to land and timber. The Lost Creek area has been valued at about $8 million. And the days of the Federal Government simply paying the price tag are over. With assistance from the Forest Service, I am hopeful that alternative lands can be found to exchange for the Lost Creek area. The Forest Service has started this process. Mr. President, as I stated earlier the amendment I am offering is a starting point. I fully anticipate having to make substantial changes when we move to conference.”